SY19-20 Chestnut TAG Middle School Special Education Teacher - (LINKs: Learning Intensive Networking for Kids)

Grade Level: 6-8

Start Date: August 20, 2019

Chestnut TAG Middle School

Are you looking to be part of a school community where teachers learn and are energized by their work? Are you looking for a Principal who is hugely invested in the development and fulfillment of the teachers? Do you want to be part of a school with a growth mindset about its students' unlimited potential? Chestnut Middle School, Talented & Gifted is a unique school; unlike any school in the region. Our school is a blended community of high achieving traditional education students working side by side with their gifted Special Education peers; all who thrive within a supportive culture of academic excellence.

At T.A.G. we ask a lot of our students and staff, and yet we believe that school should be a joyful place where students and staff look forward to coming to school every day. As educators we believe that relationships with our students are the foundation on which all social and academic success is built. We also believe that engaging in quality professional development and discussions about issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion are critically important to our ability to champion our students. We strengthen our practice through five hours of professional learning per week, which is built within our 7:20-3:20 school day, in addition to teacher prep time every day. Collaboration and peer-to-peer learning are central to our growth as educators.

As a small school (of only 340 students) we are able to meet the individual needs of every student. Without a doubt, we know our students well and we are invested in their individual and collective success. Our students outperform most of their peers statewide and yet their unique personalities, hard work and perseverance are what make them truly Talented and Gifted. If you are up for the challenge, join our team!

This position is available in a substantially separate special education program classroom where methodology and best practices will be provided to support students with Autism, aligned with the goals and objectives outlined in the individual student IEPs. The special education teacher is responsible for lesson planning and implementing tasks to support student learning. Focus of instruction will include functional spontaneous communication, social skills, plays skills, cognitive development, and functional academic skills, along with proactive strategies to decrease challenging behaviors as well as incorporating a multisensory approach to learning. Lessons should be aligned with the Common Core and materials and activities should be presented individually, in small groups, and in large groups. Adult assistance, repetition and reinforcement will be the focus in order to promote success in the independent completion of tasks. Structured, consistent, and systematic approaches to learning will be utilized. Applied Behavioral Analysis approaches, including discrete trial training, incidental teaching, and pivotal response training are teaching methodologies utilized in the LINKS classrooms.

To learn more about our school and view a video with student and staff voice, visit us at https://www.chestnuttag.com

About the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership

In 2015, the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Springfield Public Schools partnered to form the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership (SEZP). SEZP is committed to ensuring that the middle and high schools in "The Zone" are engaging environments where teachers receive the supports they need to grow professionally, and students have the opportunity to acquire the academic and personal skills to succeed in the college or career of their choice.

Each SEZP school has the autonomy to craft and implement its own, unique vision for success and receives support from an ecosystem of national-caliber partners. Furthermore, Teacher Leadership Teams at each school ensure that teacher voice is heard and that there is strong communication between school administration and staff.

Teaching in SEZP

SEZP is seeking educators who are excited to work in a collaborative, engaging, diverse, and high energy environment. We are seeking team players committed to the SEZP mission, high expectations, and their own professional growth. SEZP teachers are expected to:

Create a safe, purposeful classroom environment that prioritizes learning

Collaborate with other teachers, instructional leaders, and partners to ensure instruction is meeting the needs of students

Assess students appropriately, analyze data, and determine appropriate next steps

Ensure that instruction meets needs of all students, including students with special needs and English Language Learners

Communicate regularly with families to solicit input and share academic progress

Participate in regular professional development opportunities before and during the school year

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

Appropriate content/program area educator license (severe disabilities or moderate disabilities) and grade level (middle school) licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Desired Skills

A track record of success working with students and proven expertise in middle school instruction

High expectations for self and others, and a willingness to hold self and others accountable to these expectations

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and strong interpersonal skills

Ability to build strong relationships with students and families

Commitment to professional growth and regularly seeking out opportunities to improve instructional practice

Belief and alignment with SEZP's core beliefs and philosophy, including the belief that each and every child can excel academically

Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage interrelated tasks

Bilingual speaking, reading, and writing abilities (Spanish)

Benefits

SEZP offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience; salaries for new teachers start at $50,500. Teachers in SEZP qualify for benefits (personal/sick days, health insurance, etc.) offered to other teachers in the Springfield Public Schools.

Positions will be filled on a rolling basis; applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. Please contact sezp@springfieldempowerment.org with any questions.

Nondiscrimination Statement

The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, age, disability or military service or marital status. The Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate in admission to, access or treatment in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation, disability or homelessness.

Title IX Notice of Nondiscrimination

Springfield Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex in admission, administration of its educational programs or activities or employment. Springfield Public Schools is required by Title IX and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 not to discrimination on the basis of sex in admission, administration of its educational programs or activities or employment. The Senior Administrator of Human Resources, Kathleen O'Sullivan, Springfield Public Schools, 1550 Main St. Springfield MA, 011103, 413-787-7100, ext. 55428, has been designated as the employee responsible for coordinating Springfield Public Schools efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under Title IX. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations at 34 C.F.R. Part 106 to Springfield Public Schools may be referred to Kathleen O'Sullivan or to U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 400 Maryland Ave., SW Washington, DC 20202-1100, telephone 800-421-3481.



Primary Location: Chestnut Talented and Gifted Middle School
Salary Range: Based on collective bargaining unit salary schedule
Shift Type: FT - Full Year

Job Contact Information:

Name: Declan O'Connor
Title: Principal
Phone:
Email: oconnord@springfieldpublicschools.com